Q&A with Surendran Ananthan

Surendran Ananthan is an aspiring actor who first became intrigued by the arts upon joining the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Indian Cultural Society. His interest inspired him to audition for an acting competition on the local Indian channel, Vasantham (known as “Udhayam” in 2010). He progressed till the finals and clinched the 1st runner-up. He was then introduced to the local Tamil theatre companies Athipathi International, Avant Theatre, Ravindran Drama Group and 2Tango Dazzle to explore his acting skills. In addition to his contributions to the theatre community, he is also active in Singapore’s TV dramas and short films.

He has acted in many dramas, including Murasu, Iruthiyil Yaar, Moksha Festival, Sakuni and more. At the Pradhana Vizha Awards in 2024, Surendran walked away with the “Most Popular Male Personality Award” presented by the Vasantham channel. His desire to improve his acting skills and grow as an artist led him to enrol at Intercultural Theatre Institute in 2023. After graduating from ITI, Surendran intends to become a drama educator for youth to inspire the future generations. He strongly believes that the best way for continuous learning is through teaching.

Surendran is a recipient of the Tan Chay Bing Education Fund Scholarship.

What is it like to train here at ITI?

Training with teachers and classmates from diverse cultures and countries has given me a unique opportunity to understand how theatre is perceived and practised around the world. It offered deep insight into the different artistic lenses, traditions, and values that shape performance in each culture. As an actor from Singapore, exposed to a rich blend of influences, I’ve learned how my own multicultural experience can be integrated meaningfully into international theatre practices, enriching both my craft and my collaborations.

Think back to your first day here, and now as we approach your last few weeks. What are some of the thoughts and emotions that come up?

I still find myself wondering how I managed to complete such rigorous training during this period. Looking back, it was an incredibly challenging time. I struggled physically and mentally to keep up with the demanding schedule. The school expected nothing less than our absolute best, and meeting that standard was never easy. But through these challenges, I’ve grown immensely as an actor — physically, mentally, and emotionally. This experience pushed me in ways I never expected, and I’m genuinely proud of myself for having persevered and completed it.

Tell us how you first came to know about ITI. What made you choose this school over others?

I first got to know about ITI through my mentor, Mr.Vadi PVSS. He always said that if I want to ever pursue acting as a career, I should formally train myself in ITI. I did my own research as to which school I should enrol in. True enough, ITI had the most unique and elaborate training.

What were you doing before coming to ITI?

Like all other artiste in Singapore, I was working full time and acting part time whenever I got the chance to.

How does training in traditional performance forms have relevance in contemporary practice?

Experiencing the arts and acting through the lens of different cultures expands your understanding of what performance can be. It’s almost like being given an eagle’s view, seeing the world’s many perspectives at once. This shift transforms how you approach your craft as a contemporary artist. After immersing myself in traditional forms, I now find myself asking, “What else can it be?” rather than “What is this supposed to be?” It opens a door to curiosity, innovation, and endless possibility.

How has what you’ve learnt here shaped or changed you as an actor and as a person?

As actors, we often fall into the habit of reaching for the general emotion of a character and simply “playing” it. But my experience at ITI challenged me to go much deeper. I learned that leaning on emotion alone isn’t always the most truthful or effective approach. Instead, I was encouraged to uncover the layers beneath. For e.g. motivations, impulses, physicality, silence, intention. This training has broadened the way I think, feel, and act as an artist. It has expanded my range and reshaped how I approach any character, pushing me beyond surface emotion into richer, more grounded choices.

Describe your biggest takeaway from the ITI experience.

There are two lessons that have stayed with me deeply. The first is that “acting is about not acting, it is about being.” The second is a reminder from Sasi: “To be a good artist, you must first be a good person.” Together, these ideas ground me in the belief that authenticity begins within. The craft is not merely about technique, but about humanity, presence, and truth.

[Training in traditional forms] opens a door to curiosity, innovation, and endless possibility.

What are your plans after graduation?

I want to share what I’ve learned and bring my broadened perspectives on the arts back to the community. While I would absolutely love to perform whenever opportunities arise, my deeper calling is to teach. I truly believe that we learn the most when we teach others, and through teaching, I hope to inspire, empower, and nurture the next generation of artists.

What would you say to a new student or someone thinking of joining ITI?

I know it may sound like a big commitment to go through 3 years of training. But trust me, it is definitely worth your time and effort. Do not hesitate. Go for it.

Any special thanks or message?

I am deeply grateful to my teachers, who have been our backbone and supported us throughout this entire journey. To the entire Administration & Management Team of ITI, with a special mention to Khalid, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks for your patience, support, and for accommodating our requests whenever possible. To my family, especially my other half, thank you for standing by me and enduring all the challenges of these past three years. To the generous funders of my scholarship, your kindness has made this dream possible, and I carry that gratitude with me every day.

I hope to one day pay this forward through my contribution to the arts community. In short, I have full confidence that I will make all of you proud!

Profile photo and Othello production photo by Joseph Nair